TOASTERS are used all the time at home and it's important to make sure they're kept as clean as possible.
But data from AEG shows that 64% of UK households don't clean their appliances the weekly, as recommended.
While it's one of the essentials that's often overlooked, it's essential to keep it clean at at all times.
Otherwise, you can risk contaminating your food.
Toasters often end up with burn marks and stains due to the frequency of use too.
Here's everything you need to know about how to keep yours sparkling clean.
How do you clean a toaster?
You'll likely have everything you need hiding in your kitchen cupboards to ensure the appliance is clean in no time.
Simply gather together a pastry brush, a sponge or dishcloth and a microfiber cloth.
As for liquids, you only need water and dishwashing liquid.
Then follow the below simple step-by-step guide.
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1. Unplug the toaster
Always make sure you're putting safety first and unplugging the electrical appliance before giving it a clean.
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2. Remove the crumb tray
3Some toasters even have a removable tray at the bottom which you can take out and clean separately and shake the crumbs into a bin.
If you don’t have a crumb tray, tip your toaster upside down and dispose of crumbs the same way.
3. Wash removable parts
Mix some warm water and dishwashing liquid to create an at-home cleaning solution and place any parts that can be removed inside.
This includes the rack, pans, and crumb tray.
Wash it well with a sponge or a dish cloth, concentrating on any particularly dirty parts.
Then rinse the tray with water to remove any excess soap and dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.
4. Brush away the crumbs from the interior
With the crumb tray removed, you can clean inside too.
Brush off any crumbs using a pastry brush, which you can do from the top and bottom of the toaster.
Do not try to insert your fingers into the toaster because you risk damaging the inside components of your appliance.
There are some other tips to get the inside gleaming.
Mark Greig, head of supplier management at Marks Electrical, explained to IdealHome: "This part is slightly more awkward, so using a soft cloth or a spare toothbrush will help to tackle the job.'
Wipe your chosen tool carefully inside the toaster to pick up or dislodge dirt.
5. Clean the outside of the toaster
Using soapy water, wipe the outside of the toaster with a sponge or a dish cloth.
Watch out for any electrical components on the outside of the appliance and take extra care when cleaning around them.
When you're finished cleaning, grab a clean damp cloth and remove any trails of soap left behind, before grabbing a microfiber cloth to ensure it is fully dry.
Another hack includes using two unlikely ingredients you'll already have – ketchup and tin foil.
You have to scrunch up the tin foil and apply ketchup on tough stains and marks on the outside of the toaster before scrubbing.
The reason it works is that the high acidity of ketchup – which has an average pH of 3.85 – means it can break down the carbon that creates tarnish on metals.
6. Put your toaster back together
Reassemble the toaster by inserting the crumb tray and making sure that everything is back in its original place.
Now that your toaster is clean, you can plug it in and get back to making some more toast.
How often should I clean a toaster?
The recommended frequency to clean a toaster is every week or two.
Melissa Maker, author, cleaning guru and creator of Clean My Space advises: "You have to clean these toasters out ideally once every couple of weeks and a more thorough clean once a month."
Can I rinse an unplugged toaster?
As long as your toaster is unplugged, you can clean it with water.
But do not pour or insert any water directly inside of the appliance, because once you turn it back on, you will be at risk of electrocuting yourself.
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If you do get water inside, make sure to wait at least 24 hours before plugging it back in.
Instead of water, use the dry pastry brush and make sure you shake the toaster as much as you can to remove all the crumbs.
Cleaning hacks and tips
Here are some tips to help you clean your home like a pro:
- How to clean your washing machine in a few easy steps
- Keep on top of cleaning your oven regularly
- Clean your shower to ensure it's always sparkling
- How to clean your microwave using cheap household items
- Here's how to get rid of that nasty limescale in your kettle
- You're cleaning your carpet all wrong – here's how to get it spotless again in no time
- Unblock a toilet without a plunger
- Clean your fabric or leather sofa in a few easy steps
- If you haven't cleaned your mattress in ages, here's how
- Steps to cleaning your dishwasher to leave it looking brand new
- This is how to clean mirrors and windows without streaking
- Keep your toilet clean in four easy steps
- Give your TV screen a once-over
- Did you know your Venetian, Roman, vertical, or roller blinds also need cleaning?
- Deep-clean your fridge in five simple steps
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